Review: Succubus Rising – B. R. Kingsolver

Rebecca Healy has spent most of her life questioning who and what she is. She’s dealt with her unique powers on her own, never knowing that there are others just like her out there. She’s made do with her lot in life, though she’s wished to know more about the things that set her apart from everyone one else. When a chance encounter lands her in the midst of a Clan full of people just like her, she can’t thank her lucky stars. She finally has a chance of fitting in, but only if she’ll allow herself to do just that.

Having immersed herself in her new way of life, she becomes fast friends with Brenna Morgan. Brenna possesses extra-ordinary powers, those of which she makes use of on a daily basis. Her new friend has it all – money, power, beauty, and the ability to make men do her bidding with just the flick of her hand. Jealousy doesn’t fit into the equation, though Rebecca yearns to know what it’s like to have someone love her for who and what she is. Just once it would be nice to have someone she could call her own.

When her eye falls on Carlos de Vargas, a South American general with his eyes set on Brenna, she can’t help but to bristle with annoyance. Carlos intrigues her to no end, and she aches to have him wrap his arms around her and make her his own. His clan hopes to cement an alliance with the O’Donnell clan, and tying himself to Brenna is the key to doing just that, a fact she has a hard time embracing.

Rebecca’s good fortune soon changes. She’s no longer destitute, and has the means to make something more of the life she lives. Embracing her new status with open arms, she’s intent on enjoying herself to the fullest. Yet she soon realizes that her soul merge with Brenna has more implications than she thought possible. Brenna is growing ever stronger, and the things she does are becoming a tad more cumbersome. She knows she needs to accept the way things are, and pronto, yet how can she do that when so much is changing within the blink of an eye?

Another great addition to this series, Succubus Rising explores the darker side of what a succubus’s life is like. While Brenna certainly lives up to the Goddess’s expectations, we can’t leave Rebecca behind. She exhibits a strength that both expands and overshadows Brenna’s abilities. It was delightful to see just how much the girls have grown in the face of such adversities. I’ve got to admit that certain twists and turns I so did not see coming, but they made the unexpected events within the story worthwhile. So can’t wait to see what comes next for both Brenna and Rebecca. They’ve a lot on their plates, that’s for sure, but together they’ll be able to withstand whatever comes their way.

The Goddess has plans for Brenna and Rebecca, and the Goddess has a wicked sense of humor.

Rebecca Healy is a true wilder, growing up with no contact or knowledge of other telepaths. Discovered by a Clan member on the streets of San Francisco, she felt like she’d hit the jackpot. Finally, she knew what she was, or at least she thought she did.

When Brenna O’Donnell, long-lost heir of the O’Donnell Clan, and the strongest telepath in history, is returned to her family, she and Rebecca form a tight bond. Brenna has it all, looks, money, power, and men falling all over her.

Rebecca isn’t jealous, but it would be nice to find someone who would really love her and stick around in the morning. She’s intrigued by a handsome South American general, but of course, he has his sights set on Brenna. Carlos de Vargas wants more than love. His Clan has its back to the wall, and they hope for an alliance with O’Donnell. An alliance that would lead to war.

The story began in The Succubus Gift and continued in Succubus Unleashed. In Succubus Rising, questions are answered and new mysteries are revealed.

About The Author:

I made silver and turquoise jewelry for almost a decade, ended up in nursing school, then took a master’s in business. Along the way I worked in construction, as a newspaper editor, a teacher, and somehow found a career working with computers.

I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school and I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff in Canada.

I have a very significant other, two cats and two Basset Hounds. I’m currently living in Baltimore, nine blocks from the harbor, but still own a home in New Mexico that I see too infrequently.